David guided Eleanor through the front glass doors out into the warm Texas sunshine.
He opened the door of his quiet sedan and helped her sit inside.
He sat in the driver's seat and handed her a bottle of clean water.
David: Are you hurt anywhere else, mother? We can go to a hospital right now.
Eleanor: No, my sweet boy, just seeing your face heals my old heart.
David: Why didn't you try to find me sooner over all these years?
Eleanor: I was ashamed because I had no money or home to offer you.
Eleanor: I only wanted to make sure you were happy and well taken care of.
David: I had a good life, but I always wondered about the mother who gave me life.
David reached out and took her hand, squeezing it softly in his own.
David: You will never have to worry about a home or food ever again.
Eleanor: I do not want your wealth, David. I just want to know you.
David: My wealth means nothing if I do not use it to protect my family.
Back inside the church foyer, Carla was crying hysterically as her father approached her.
He was a strict businessman who hated public embarrassment more than anything else.
Father: What did you do to make David cancel the wedding ceremony, Carla?
Carla: It was not my fault! A crazy homeless woman attacked me first!
Bridesmaid: That is not true, sir. Carla slapped the old woman across the face.
Father: You slapped his mother? You ruined our family reputation over your temper?
Carla: I did not know she was his mother when I hit her!
Father: Your cruelty just cost our family millions of dollars in business contracts.
Her father turned around and walked out of the church without saying another word.
Carla sat down on the cold marble steps where Eleanor had fallen earlier.
Her expensive lace dress was dirty from the floor, and her mascara was running down.
She was completely alone in the big room as the guests began walking out.